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Brookwood Retirement Community, located in Blue Ash, offers a full continuum of care under
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living. Our community is spacious, joyful and buzzing with life. We believe positivity makes for
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Address:
12100 Reed Hartman Highway
Cincinnati, OH 45241

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Sycamore High School Retraction: In the April Issue, page 10, in “Fortnite takes SHS by
Storm,” Benjamin Kaczmarowski who was quoted did not supply any of the
7400 Cornell Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242 quotes attributed to him. On page 21, we incorrectly said Herrick Tsao has been

Editorial Policy:
Although students work under the guidance
of a professional faculty member, the
content is ultimately determined by the
student staff and should reflect all areas of
student interest, including topics on which
there may be dissent and controversy.
Students can not publish material that is
obscene, libelous, or is likely to cause “a
substantial disruption of the educational
process.” Content that may stimulate
heated debate or discussion is not included
in this definition. The views represented
in our publications do not represent the
views of the Sycamore Community School
District or the Sycamore High School
administration. Our publications
are public forums.

1

Photo courtesy of Hannah Lee

NEWS
May 17, 2018

Phone policy cracks down
JENNA BAO

senior staff writer

LINDSEY BRINKMAN
entertainment chief

Cell phones have become an
integral part of daily life, not just for
high school students, but for kids as
young as elementary school and adults
of all ages. Wherever you go, your cell
phone is within reach and someone
is on their device. This includes the
classroom.
Cell phone addiction is a readily
accepted phenomenon these days. In
fact, the average person checks their
phone 110 times a day, and 50 percent
of teens feel they are addicted to their
phones.
Despite all this, there are reasons
to be concerned about the pervasive
presence of phones in school. They
provide endless opportunity for
distraction, serve as a tool for cheating,
and have been related to increases in
mental illness.
However, as much as cell phones
are the norm, parents, teachers, and
administrators across the country are
now considering new ways to address
the presence of cell phones in the
classroom.
SHS is also pursuing a new approach,
one that requires students to spend the
full school day engaged and with their
phone put away.

Policy
The current policy on phones is as
follows:
“Two courtesy phones are
2

HANNAH LEE

creative projects director

available: one at the front office and the
other at the attendance office. Please
limit use to three minutes or less,”
according to the 2017–2018 StudentParent Handbook.
There is no mention of cellular
devices in the policy. However, the
general understanding amongst
administrators seems to be that cell
phones should not be out during class
and the attendance office phone should
be the only one utilized.
“We don’t have a new policy…
[there is a policy] that has been in
that handbook probably as long as cell
phones have been out. It is not a new
policy at all.
“It is more of us as adults trying to
be consistent in how [the policy] is
enforced.
“I think that it has to do with students
not understanding the appropriateness
of when [they] should be on the phone
or when [they] should use it,” said Dr.
Yejide Mack, assistant principal.
The purpose will be to have students
concentrated on learning and giving
them time to be productive instead of
on their phones.
“It’s not a ‘gotcha’ thing, ‘your
phone’s out so you are getting a writeup.’ It’s not like that, it is about making
sure you have time on task,” Mack said.
In the coming school year,
administrators will be sending parents

information warning students about
phone use expectations for the coming
year. This will also be addressed by
teachers and a class meeting.

Teacher ideas
Meanwhile, many teachers have
started implementing their own rules
about the use of phones in their classes.
While some are fine with phones
being out and used at times, others
are cracking down. Therefore, the
administration wants a more consistent
policy next year for students.
Some teachers, like Mr. Chad

24%
76%

Instagram poll: Could SHS
students live without their
phones during the school day?
Could
Could not
Based on 151 responses

May 17, 2018
Husting, simply enforce the school’s
policy a bit more than others.
“It is the same as the school’s policy
as stated in the handbook. Student
technology should not interrupt the
educational process. I am simply
enforcing what is already there.
Essentially, bell to bell, no phones or
technology unless it is for educational
use,” Husting said.
While student reactions have been
mixed, Husting has observed that they
are more concentrated and focused in
class. Parents have largely embraced
the rule.
As for the consistency of the policy
enforcement, each teacher will be left
with the same encouragement to pursue
the standing policy.
“Every teacher will let you know what

that looks like... If it is ‘when that bell
rings, I expect that to be in your book
bag or in your pocket away,’ [that] is
[one] way. The expectation is that you
will have 100 percent time on task,”
Mack said.
Mrs. Emily Sweeney, for one, is
now enforcing a policy that prohibits
students from having phones out at all
during the class period.
“I think there should be a school-wide
policy that models responsible use of
technology use and establishes safe and
effective boundaries,” Husting said.
Once students return to the building,
teachers will be reminding them that
they should not be spending time on
their phones during the school day in
light of this new approach to phones.

Q&A

NEWS
SWEN

Mrs. Emily Sweeney
English teacher

What made you want to start this
phone policy?
I am on the teacher leadership
committee, [where] teachers from all
different departments...meet to discuss
some of the key issues that teachers
or the school are struggling with. Dr.
[Yejide] Mack asked a few of us in
each department to pilot it and I was
interested in trying it out.
Have you seen any improvements in
focus?
Yes, I would say so. The biggest place
I see it is in students being willing to
engage in more discussion with the
people at their table, and I feel at the
end of the bell they no longer have an
option to just get on their phones; they
are actually doing the reading or possibly
starting their homework more than they
have in the past.
In your opinion, would this policy also
help other teachers if they used it?
Yes, the biggest thing I notice is that it’s
really in how you enforce it. So, it’s not
like we haven’t had a cell phone policy in
place; it’s just that... teachers have tried to
take it on in their own way[s]... If we are
more uniform across the board, I think
those [phone-free] habits will... be easier
for students [to form]. Starting it right off
at the beginning of the year and being
willing to enforce it... would be great.
Will every teacher use this policy next
year?
That is what we are trying to figure out;
that’s the goal of piloting it... If each
department has its certain nuisance, that
would mean certain aspects of the policy
would need to be changed or modified,
and also the administration would need
to find how many referrals would be
coming to them on a daily basis.

SHELVE IT. Junior Emily Kremchek puts her phone in the numbered wall pouches in
Ms. Latoya Pitts’ room. Some teachers use this tool to hold cell phones and make sure
students are not distracted. The hanging pouches can be used to take attendance.
Photo courtesy of Sara Margolis.

Is there anything else you would like
to add?
It’s interesting to watch when a student
doesn’t even realize when they have
been on their phone or that they went to
grab [it], which shows how it’s an innate
part of some students... Just helping
them be more aware of the expectation
in class or how to be in class and
engaged will just be part
of the process.
3

NEWS

May 17, 2018

Weiss publishes first play
ALLYSON BONHAUS
executive editor

EVERY YEAR, the Aves Theater
directors step back and let the students
run the show. This year’s one act was
a break from the usual, with one of the
students writing an original play. Junior
Sydney Weiss wrote, directed, and
produced her own one-act play at SHS.
“Every year, we do student-directed
one acts and it’s really hard to find
shows that work with our time limits,
guy to girl ratios, and other parameters.
I decided to write something that
worked,” Weiss said.
In total, seven one acts were
performed, all directed by students.
Weiss started to write the comedy
as the 2017-2018 school year opened,
with the one-act hitting the stage in
December.
The one act, titled “Table for One,” is
set in a diner where a character, Daniel
is trying to propose to the waitress.
The customers of the diner keep
interrupting before he can propose.
The play was published around
January 2018 after being performed
at the high school in December. SHS
students were actors in the play
including, senior Kate McNamaraMarsland, juniors Adam Pelberg,
Shayna Kling, and Skye Haruyama,
and sophomore Jocelin Arbenz.
“I loved getting to share this
experience with my friends who were in
the cast. It means so much to me that
they worked so hard to make the show
great,” Weiss said.
The play was sent to Lazy Bee
Scripts, which is based in the United
Kingdom (UK), so when they responded
that they wanted to publish Weiss’s
piece, the transformation to the UK
format began.
“In the future, I do hope to write
more plays, and potentially produce
more in college. My goal is to write and
publish a full-length play,” Weiss said.

4

1. ADOPT A PERSONALITY.
Junior Sydney Weiss, playing
Ida, and senior Kyle Ballman are
pictured in their performance
“Irena’s Vow.” Weiss has been a
part of theater since the Jr. High
shows and throughout her high
school career at SHS.
2. CHOSE YOUR OWN PATH.
The one-act play is an annual
event at the high school, but
has not had an orginal play in
the last few years. “Last year I
was an actress in a comedy and
had a really positive experience.
I thought it would be really
cool to be the first to produce
my published play,” Weiss said.
Photos courtesy of
McDaniel’s Photography.

“You can’t deny that
Beyoncé is the head
of the Illuminati- Blue
Ivy is obviously an
Illuminati name. She’s
still a queen, though,”
said Grace Creek, 11.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Lu

Conspiracy theories have been a part of our culture since the
nineteenth century, probably even before. From assassinations to
disappearances, or airports to extraterrestrials, conspiracy theories
are a part of history.
Almost one half of all U.S. citizens believe at least one conspiracy
theory according to “BBC.”
While some conspiracy theories are light-hearted, others are
intense and, if true, could dramatically change the way we view
history.
“On some level, we are all predisposed to be suspicious or
mistrustful of government,” said Karen Douglas, psychologist,
professor at the University of Kent.
Sometimes conspiracy theories are used to cover a fact people
are scared to believe- what if the government really did lie about
something? Many conspiracy theories center around trying to have
the world make sense after tragedy strikes.
All in all, these conspiracies are a part of history as they impact the
way we look at our government structure or the possibility of events.
Conspiracy theories leave no question unasked, prompting creativity
and unique thinking.
Theories allow people to remove the limits on the mind and wonder
about all the possibilities of event causes. With limitless information
at everyone’s fingertips in this digital age, it is revolutionary to think
freely.
While not proven facts, these theories do have an impact on
culture. People are united through beliefs, and believing conspiracy
theories are no different.
Regardless of the actual validity of conspiracy theories, they
symbolize the importance of thinking for oneself. Conspiracy theories
encourage us to not blindly accept the information we receive.
Although silly at times, it is always important to question the validity
of the information we are given.

“We did not land
on the moon when
we first said we did.
This...had a major
effect on the history
of our nation...” said
Mr. Sean Crowe,
math teacher.

“My favorite
conspiracy theory
would have to be
that Walt Disney’s
head is frozen in a
jar under Disney
World,” said Marcial
Machado, 10.

“I love the Mandela
Effect where people
think that Chickfil-A is actually
spelled as Chic-fil-A
or Chik-fil-A,” said
Keegan Veraldo, 9.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Lu

Staff Editorial

Photo courtesy of Abigail Lefton

LOCKED IN. With the vast expanse of (often contradictory) information
available on the Internet regarding conspiracy theories, it can be easy to fall
down a rabbit hole of research. Those who are passionate about conspiracy
theories can attest to spending hours scouring the internet for information on
these intriguing hypotheses. Image courtesy of Anisa Khatana.

Photo courtesy of Abigail Lefton

What is your favorite
conspiracy theory?

5

OPINION
May 17, 2018

Event sparks reform
ALLYSON BONHAUS
executive editor

AFTER THE SHOCK waves of
#MeToo are passing, what change is
left? After significant convictions, rape
cases are seemingly adapting to a
culture that is more respectful of the
victims’ stories.
A turning point in this change came
on April 27, 2018 when Bill Cosby was
convicted of three counts of indecent
assault, which is up to 30 years of
prison.
The jury found Cosby guilty of
drugging and sexually assaulting
Andrea Constand on April 26, the first
conviction after over 50 women accused
him of sexual misconduct.
This conviction is still a shift in the
way powerful men are treated in court
for sexual assault.
“...Today, this jury has shown that the
Me Too movement is saying that women
are worthy of being believed,” said Lili
Bernard, accuser, according to “NPR.”
The trial, coming months after
Harvey Weinstein was removed from
the Motion Picture Academy, shows
hope that rape victims will be treated
with due respect. A conviction of a
powerful figure signals a mindset shift
to hold accountable even those who are

idolized by the public.
“Some victim advocates see the Cosby
case as part of a groundswell that shows
no sign of slowing,” according to “NBC
News.”
Perhaps not quite the tsunami
activists hoped for, but mindsets are
shifting to respect the truth of rape
victims, as only two to six percent of
reported rape are false according to
“The Independent.”
Victim bashing is still widely practiced
despite how demoralizing it is; in
Cosby’s trial this was practiced but
the guilty verdict hints at a shift in
mindsets.
Cosby’s trial will hopefully become
a symbol for the beginning of more
awareness and respect toward victims
stories.
“As #MeToo has spread, the number
of people reaching out for help has
continued to increase. In the first
quarter of 2018, RAINN’s programs
helped 46% more people than in the
prior year,” according to “Rape, Abuse,
and Incest National Network” (RAINN).
This trend needs to continue, allowing
society to learn how to treat rape
victims with respect, which in turn may
decrease the number of rapes.

By the numbers
54%
Of all rape victims, people ages 18-34 make up 54% of sexual assault victims
1 out of every
6 women have
been the victim
of an attempted
or completed
rape
6

creative projects director
As college looms closer and closer,
filling summer break with internships,
part-time jobs, and standardized testing
seems to become of greater importance
than laying on the beach and letting time
drift away with the sea salt breeze.
In reality though, being productive
24/7 is pretty much impossible. Your
body and mind will be so worn out that
you will not be as productive as you
want.
So before booking 1,000+ hours to
building your resume, you should also
plan some time to relax and cool your
head. Even if you are not going on
vacation, you can have a relaxing time
right at home.
Some mental-health boosts could come
from finding a room in your house that
you rarely go into and reading a book in
your new reading nook. Or going outside
and doing some gardening to get some
fresh air, clear your head, and get a nice
tan. There are so many options if you
look for them.
But make sure it is complete relaxation
by spending it with your phone away.
An hour without your phone may seem
unusual or even uncomfortable at first,
but the satisfaction gained is much
greater.
Relaxation is also maximized when you
are surrounded by nature. Even without
meditation, being in nature encapsulated
by the sounds of the birds, creatures,
and the howling of the wind does
wonders.
It brings people back down and allows
a sort of meditation of peace without
even a conscious effort to meditate.
After a walk in Sharon Woods or time
in my backyard, I never felt that it was a
waste of time, but rather, time well spent
because I felt happier afterward.
However, I am not encouraging you
to burn all your applications and summer
homework on the spot. Many are
panicking to improve their resumes and
stress is piling high, so it is important to
find balance and relax a little.
In reality, relaxation can promote
productivity and is necessary to keep
yourself from going crazy.

FROM POLAND
TO ISRAEL
APRIL 28 - MAY 12, 2019

an all expense paid trip.*

THESE 25 JEWISH SENIORS JUST
WENT ON THIS TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Info Sessions for the next
trip begin in October 2018

Contact Phil Ganson at
MOTL@MayersonJCC.org for more questions

*This trip is generously funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, and organized by the Mayerson JCC, in partnership with the Holocaust
and Humanity Center. Grants are administered by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. March of the Living grants are not need based and are
offered to Cincinnati Jewish high school seniors who have not already used their high school Israel travel grant.

The Venture Awards are financial incentives and support to empower Jewish teens and
organizations to experiment, explore, and take risks on enhancing or creating new
opportunities for teen engagement given through the Cincinnati Jewish Teen Collective.

TEENS OF ALL AGES have become
more and more interested in vaping.
Whether it is “for fun” or to get a
“buzz,” it seems that vaping is all kids
are talking about these days.
The term “vaping” is used when
describing e-cigarettes, juuls or
vaporizers. Some teens use e-cigarettes,
which contain nicotine, while others
use vaporizers, which do not contain
nicotine at all.
The “juul” is the most popular vaping
device at the moment. According to
“ABC News,” one teen tweeted, “High
school bathrooms will now be known as
the juul lounge.” In order to purchase
a juul or any tobacco product, you are
required to be 18.
The liquid found in the vaporizers
is referred to as “e-juice.” While some
juices do not contain nicotine, they do
contain other chemicals of which not
much is known about yet. One chemical
in particular is called diacetyl.
“While this flavoring may be tasty,
it was linked to deaths and hundreds
of cases of bronchiolitis obliterans, a
serious and irreversible lung disease,”
according to The American Lung
Association.
It is not proven that this chemical
will directly affect those vaping, but it
is important to put into consideration
that this is still a new thing, and in the
next few years, scientists will have many
more facts on how harmful it actually is.
“A lot of kids think vaping is harmless
because it is ‘water vapor,’ but nicotine
has a very harsh impact on not only
the lungs, but also the brain. Learning
these addictive behaviors when the
brain is still developing will cause kids
to use nicotine as a calmer when they
are older,” said Sophia Muhleman, 9.
Nicotine is a liquid that is found in all
cigarettes and many vaping devices. It
can become highly addictive, and it can
cause a buzz sensation.

10

There is much more information
on nicotine, as it is part of the reason
cigarettes are linked with cancer.
Nicotine makes your blood vessels
smaller, making it harder for your body
to pump blood to your heart.
Nicotine is also proven to be linked
with lung cancer. Up until recently, we
have not been able to link the chemicals
found especially in the vaporizers,
but new studies show that it might be
directly linked with cancer.
“Some studies show it can play a part
in bringing about lung cancer, although
the EPA says there is not enough data
to show whether it causes cancer in
people,” said Maggie Fox, according to
NBC News.
At the end of the day, vaping is
another teenage trend, and the story is
sure to develop in the coming years.

Breakdown of a JUUL
Mouthpiece
Cartridge

Charge Light

JUUL
base

JUUL
mango
5% strength

NEW RULES COMING. Recently, JUUL
announced they would invest millions
to combat youth tobacco use, and they
would also support raising the vaping
age to 21. In addition, the JUUL company
has asked all social media sites to remove
images and content encouraging kids to
use their vaping device. Photo courtesy
of Tribune Services.

Sources: newyorker.com, abc13.com

This is an
example of a
Juul package.
This type of
vaporizer
comes in
different flavors,
with mango
considered the
most popular.

=
One Juul pod is equal to a whole
pack of cigarettes in terms of the
amount of nicotine.

COVER
May 17, 2018

P
O
T

T
E
R
C
SE

CLASSIFIE

DO

NOT

OPE

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11

COVER

May 17, 2018

ALL PART OF THE

CONSPIRACY:

Pop culture thrives on theories
EMILY CHIEN

senior staff writer

SYDNEY EVANS

senior staff writer

SECRET SOCIETIES. Celebrity clones.
Alien abductions. Lizard politicians. Flat
Earth. The act of creating conspiracy
theories is a longstanding human
tradition.
“I love [conspiracy theories] because I
feel like there is truth to some of them.
Maybe not 100% of it, but I love the idea
of getting people to think outside the
box.
“Some theories affect everyone and
even if they don’t believe, it is still good
to think about it and open your mind
and realize that sometimes, everything

YVANNA REYES

senior staff writer

around us is not what it seems,” said
Katelin LeBlanc, 12.
Some are relatively harmless,
like Avril Lavigne’s replacement
doppelganger, Melissa. Others can
be a detriment to the progression and
overall health of society, such as the
anti-vaccination movement.
But as much as students may think of
conspiracy theories as a joke, others are
absolutely convinced of their truth.
“I have no doubt that aliens exist and
we have had/are having contact with
them. I feel this way because it’s so

close-minded to believe that in this huge
universe, we are the only ones here.
“It just doesn’t make sense. Also,
Stephen Hawking used one of his last
interviews to say basically that we aren’t
alone. So it was obviously important to
him,” LeBlanc said.
From JFK’s assassination to a “the
government is watching us” craze,
conspiracy theories will always have a
special place in pop culture as people
attempt to explain events around them.

The Illuminati
LYDIA MASSET
spotlight chief

Most are familiar with, or at
least have heard of, the infamous
Illuminati, a group
said to be controlling
the government and
possibly even our lives.
Although this is just a
conspiracy, it did begin
with some truth to it.
The “Bavarian
Illuminati” was
founded in 1776 by
a professor named
Adam Weishaupt.
Weishaupt’s goal
was for the Illuminati
to create “a state of
liberty and moral
equality, freed from
the obstacles which
subordination, rank,

and riches, continually throw in our
way.”
The club, along with
other
secret societies was
outlawed in 1784.
Although the law
banned the initial
group, it was truly only
the beginning of the
rabbit hole conspiracy
that the Illuminati has
come to be.
Today’s conspiracy
states that the
Illuminati is a secret
society comprised of
celebrities and other
influential people who
have been initiated
and/or brainwashed
into joining the organization.
The group is said to control every

It ’s a sign ...

12

Photo courtesy of Anisa Khatana

aspect of our world and government
through the economy, the election (or
even removal) of world leaders, the
media, and even school curriculum.
Much of the group’s influence on our
lives is also believed to come through
pop culture; movies, songs, and award
shows are all believed to be tools for
“brainwashing” the public views and
opinions to align with the Illuminati’s.
The alleged Illuminati’s ultimate goal
is to create a “New World Order.” They
believe they can use their manipulation
of public events and opinions in order
to create a fully globalized world where
they control the economy, religion, and
government.
“Proof” for this theory is outlined in
endless amounts of YouTube videos. As
with most conspiracy theories there is
very little to no evidence support these
claims or support that any of these
people are affiliated with it.

COVER
Photo courtesy of Flickr

May 17, 2018

The Moon Landing
NATALIE BRINKMAN
senior staff writer

distrust for the government. A moon
landing seems impossible and beyond
real-life, easily prompting people to
believe in lies.
Conspiracy theories are in many
ways security blankets. It is easier to
believe in lies when the truth is hard to
understand or out of sight.
However, only six percent of
Americans believe that the moon
landing was faked, which shows that
the grand majority do believe in the
evidence that exists, such as personal
accounts and rock samples.
Many conspiracies are spread
through pop culture and social media.
People share information and ideas
through various websites.

Mandela effect defined:
A shared misconception about a person or event
that is spread on the Internet. It earned its
title from when
it was believed that Nelson
Mandela died in prison during the 1980s.

“The Berenstain Bears”
Some say the title of this children’s book series is spelled “The
Berenstein Bears.”

Rich Uncle Pennybags

The Monopoly man, Rich Uncle Pennybags, does not have a
monocle despite popular belief. There may have been confusion
with Mr. Planters who does have a monocle.

“Looney Tunes”
Is it “Looney Tunes” or “Looney Toons?” It was widely
speculated that there was a one day switch in the logo
of this animated short film series.

“It’s just human nature— like how the
mind remembers only what it wants to
remember. The subconscious brain will
remember things the way that it wants to,”
said Adam Kossen, 11.
Photo courtesy of Lydia Masset

The Mandela Effect

faked moon landing dominate on the
Internet,.
On July 20, 1969, a space crew
made history- or made the biggest
hoax. Tensions between the United
States and Russia were heightened
by new technology races- especially
technologies outside of Earth.
Many theorists believe that the
desire to beat Russia to the moon may
have been fuel to fake the landing to
put America on top. Perhaps created
in a Hollywood studio or forged in the
shroud of Area 51 (another hotspot for
conspiracies), many moon landing nonbelievers think that the video evidence
is falsified.
Many cite the lack of stars, the flag’s

movement, or the eerie shadows that
are present in the video. These claims
even prompted Jamie Hyneman
and Adam Savage of the show
‘Mythbusters’ to conduct a lunar
experiment.
Others simply believe that any film
created in space would not be able to
survive the moon’s natural temperature
of 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, all material was kept in
special, protective casing, preventing
the film from being affected.
Some theorists find fault in the crater
landing site or the rover that was used.
Any and every element of the moon
landing is tied to an almost 40 year old
conspiracy theory.
Most theories are rooted in

Photo courtesy of Hannah Lee

plenty of THEORIES about a

“I don’t believe that there are parallel
universes that are causing the
phenomena, but [the effect] is crazy to
see” said Maggie Ballard, 10.

13

COVER

May 17, 2018

TRUE OR FALSE:
Speculators question who killed Tupac Shakur

JESSICA LU

BENJAMIN GREEN

ONE OF THE most notable mysteries
surrounds the famous 1990s music icon
Tupac Shakur on Sept. 7, 1996.
The “California Love” rapper and
Suge Knight, the CEO of Shakur’s
music label, were in Las Vegas to see
a boxing match when Shakur was
murdered by four gunshots to his body.
He and Knight were on their way to
Knight’s club, 662.
The gunman was never found, and
Shakur’s case is still open to this day.
Some say Knight is responsible. After
discovering that Shakur wanted to leave
Death Row Records to start his own
label, they believe Knight shot him.
Others believe that The Notorious

B.I.G. (Biggie) was the one to pull the
trigger. Allegedly, Shakur had an affair
with Biggie’s wife, which contributed to
their famous rap feud.
Another common speculation is that
Shakur faked his death and fled to Cuba.
According to the Seven Day Theory,
Shakur would return in seven years
due to the motif of the number seven
throughout his life and death.
Tupac died after six days in the
hospital on Sept. 13, 1996, and with the
startling lack of evidence despite there
being witnesses on the scene, the world
may never solve the mystery
of his death.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

social media director staff writer

Who did it?

Why believe in conspiracies?
EVERYONE is
susceptible to
conspiracy.

Evolutionary
Advantage?
Due to how humans evolved with
the ability to draw conclusions and
predict future events based on our
observations, we sometimes jump to
inaccurate conclusions.

Cognitive Biases:

Confirmation Bias:

Proportionality
People's willingness to Bias:
accept explanations
that fit what they
already believe.

The inclination to
believe that big events
must have big causes.

“To some extent, the
human brain is wired to find
conspiracy theories appealing,"
said Jan-Willem van Prooijen,
an associate professor at the
Department of Social and
Organizational Psychology at
VU University Amsterdam.

Psychologically, conspiracy theories act like a coping
mechanism for large and stressful events such as 9/11.
The degree to
which one relies on
their intuition over
analytical thinking is the best measure
to determine the
likelihood that one
accepts conspiracy.

14

Sources: journals.sagepub.com, usatoday.com

The
Media
Menace

f
There is NO evidence that social
media increases the number of
conspiracy theories out there.
Design by: Sydney Evans

A&E

May 17, 2018

New movies sweep nation
LINDSEY BRINKMAN
entertainment chief

WITH THE RETURN of summer’s
endless freedom and long nights, movie
theaters will soon be crowded with
students again.
But this year, moviegoers will be
getting a new experience in their
selections, with movies that go beyond

the standard action-packed thriller and
repetitive horror film.
2018’s soon-to-be summer hits
are originals and do not hit on the
overplayed and over-cliched plot lines.
Hollywood’s directors and up-andcomers have made this a summer of
great new releases.
As well as new and exciting

“Ocean’s 8”
Comes out: June 8, 2018
Rating: PG-13
This movie, featuring such
as stars Sandra Bullock,
and Anne Hathaway, tells
the story of Debbie Ocean
who has been planning a
heist worth $150 million
dollars for five years, eight
months, 12 days and
counting. This will be one
of the biggest heists she
has ever done, needing
all sorts of abilities Ocean
forms a group of eight
woman. Photo courtesy of
Tribune Services.

movies, one can expect to see lots of
continuations of movies everyone loved
the first time
Several movies have been capturing
the public’s attention lately, and some of
those movies are listed here.
Not every movie coming out this
summer could be listed, these are only
some of the ones coming out earliest.

“Incredibles 2”

Scan
here
for
trailer

Comes out: June 15,
2018
Rating: PG
“Incredibles 2” continues
off where the first one
finished, but with a new
twist. This time instead
of Mr. Incredible being
the one saving the day
it is Elastigirl. This movie
features many of the
same voice actors from
the first “The Incredibles.”
Photo courtesy of
Creative Commons.

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”

“Deadpool 2”

Comes out: June 22, 2018
Rating: PG-13
Following years after the
closure of the Jurassic World
theme park, the dinosaurs
lives are put in danger. To
save them they are moved
to America, but what follows
after is not what anyone
expected. Some of the
actors that appear in this
movie includes Chris Pratt,
Bryce Dallas Howard,
and Jeff Goldblum.
Photo courtesy of Creative
Commons.

Comes out: May 18, 2018
Rating: R
This movie is the second to
feature the hero Deadpool
based off “Marvel Comics”
series. This sequel is
focused on Deadpool
trying to save a child with
mutant powers from Cable,
and will include some old
and new friends. Like the
first movie, Deadpool 2
will continue to include
the same humor as well
cursing and bloody action
scenes. Photo courtesy of
Creative Commons.

OVER THE SUMMER many artists
take the opportunity to travel around
the world to share their talents, in
concerts that are extremely popular, and
people will come from all over to attend.
Music festivals are very well liked
when it comes to summer. They are
huge, multiple day events, that showcase
artists from many different music
categories.
A popular music festival that occurs
every summer is Bunbury Music
Festival. It is located at Sawyer Point
Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bunbury takes place from June first
to third, showcasing over 40 artists on
three different stages.
On day one, 14 different artists will
perform. Several of the featured artists/
bands include The Chainsmokers,
Blink-182, Young The Giant, Royal
Blood, and many more.

On day two, 13 different artists will
perform. Some of the artists/bands
performing are Incubus, Foster The
People, GRiZ, and many more.
On the third and final day, 14 artists
will perform. Few of the performers
include Post Malone, Jack White, Two
Feet, Manchester Orchestra, and others
as well.
There are many different ways to
buy tickets. One of the ways is to get
a Single Day General Admission pass,
which is for a day of your choice. The
single day pass costs $89.
The second way is to get the 3-Day
General Admission. At the cost of $179
you can attend all three days, and have
unlimited re-entry, which you do not get
with a single day pass.
The third way to buy tickets is to get
the 3-Day VIP. At the cost of $450 you
get more benefits.

Some benefits include unlimited
re-entry, lockers with charging
stations, complimentary food/water,
complementary VIP WiFi, an airconditioned hospitality tent featuring a
DJ, a separate VIP entrance, and other
cool features.
“I have been going since freshman
year and I go with a group of friends.
Even though I don’t always know all the
music, it’s a great way to find new stuff,”
said Rae Nourie, 12.
The last way to buy your tickets is
the 3-Day Ultimate VIP. At the price
of $1,399 you can enjoy every benefit
that comes with a 3-Day VIP pass, plus
side stage viewing access, and daily
complimentary festival parking.
“It’s a great experience and I always
find myself looking forward to next
year,” Nourie said.

tickets:

Single Day General Admission: $89
3-Day General Admission: $179
3-Day VIP: $450

3-Day Ultimate VIP: $1,399

famous faces:
Post Malone
16

Sources: bunburyfestival.com

Young The Giant

Chainsmokers

Design by: Lindsey Brinkman, Abigail Lefton

TRENDS
May 17, 2018

Summer fashion enters shs
MAYA GOLDENBERG

1

staff writer

2

Photo courtesy of Jessica Lu

after time they fizzle out.
High schools are a unique
setting for fashion. Students are
in the process of creating their
styles, so things are constantly
changing.
Here are some of the fashion
styles SHS students are wearing
and some of the pieces that are
gaining momentum.

3

Photo courtesy of Sydney Weiss

Photo courtesy of Sydney Weiss

Fashion is dynamic.
Trends come and go, styles evolve,
and new icons emerge as old ones
fade away. The nature of fashion is
what makes it so interesting. What
trend will be next? What new idea
will walk down the runway?
At SHS the cycle of fashion is
easily observable. Trends hit the
population like a tidal wave, but

Photo courtesy of Sydney Weiss

4

1. WEAR THOSE FUNKY SOCKS. Unique
patterned socks have been trending for
a while, but since summer is around the
corner, the socks are more visible. Many
people sport socks with different styles or
patterns.
2. LAYER THEM. Also a reoccurring summer
trend, layered jewelry is worn by junior
Jenna Foy. Foy layers short chokers with
longer pendants and alters textures and
styles.
3. TIE THE LACES. With summer almost
here, students are able to enjoy being
active outside, wearing fashionable and
lightweight sneakers. Trendy sneakers are
further complimented by fun socks and
layered jewelry.
4. SPORT IT. Windbreakers have been
a trend throughout the year and are a
perfect light layer for the unpredictable SHS
climate. Drew Lawrenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s windbreaker is
inspired by the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s windbreaker style.

READY TO WIN, the Varsity
Lacrosse team is ready to tackle a
victory in the upcoming tournaments.
The Lady Aves lacrosse team has a
record of 6-9 as of May 10.
Ally Flege is a freshman on the
varsity team whose season is drawing to
a close.
“It is a bit intimidating, but I have
other freshman friends like Sarah
Barnhorst and Sara Bolger who are
on the team as well. It’s nice to relate
and improve at lacrosse with people
who understand exactly what you’re
going through,” Flege said.
There are many things that make
Varsity different then JV. In Varsity,
Flege has to be fully committed to be

apart of the team.
“We have had a couple rough patches
throughout our season. Our coach, Ed
Clark, knows the potential we have so
he intensifies our practices based on the
effort we give in the games before so
we can be ready for later games,” Flege
said.
With the season coming to an end, all
the girls on the team have grown really
close.
“I am not ready for [the season] to
end, I enjoy having things to do and
filling up my schedule. I don’t know
what I am going to do with all my free
time, and I feel as if I will have a lot
of energy throughout my days without
exercising everyday,” Flege said.

Flege has really enjoyed being able
to be apart of the Lady Aves Lacrosse
team which has helped her make the
decision to keep playing throughout
high school and hopefully college.
“I want to keep playing these next
three years so that I am able to see the
progress I have accomplished. I hope
being a part of this team leads me to a
chance to play in college,” Flege said.
The last season game is on May 14
against Milford High School. As the
season closes Flege hopes to win the
state championships.
“It would feel amazing to win state.
My teammates and I would be so
satisfied,” Flege said.

On Monday, May 14, the team will compete in state tournament games in the hopes of placing within the top thee. The team has
been training year round in preparation for state. In past years, the team has done well, often being the runner up. While not currently
a member of the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) the team will join next year for the 2018-2019 season where they will play against
neighboring teams. Currently, the team is a fourth seed. Head Coach Ed Clark and the assistant coaches will take their team to state
tournaments hoping to dominate.

18

Volleyball sets into season

May 17, 2018

SPORTS

MADELEINE SUH
sports chief

AS THE SEASON for 2018 men’s
volleyball team concludes, they reflect
on this outstanding spring. The team
received the runner-up title at GMCs.
With a conference record of 7-1, the
coaches and athletes were more than
ecstatic. Additionally, they ended the
spring season with 10-6 overall.
“I’m ecstatic about how this year’s
season has turned out...we are all very
happy and excited as a team,” said
David Zheng, 11.
Additionally, the men’s volleyball

team welcomed an amazing new
coaching staff this season. The
team is extremely thankful for
their knowledge and experience
with the sport as well as the high
expectations they held, helping
the team improve dramatically.
“We have grown a lot this
season because we had a lot of
guys who this is their first year
playing volleyball or their first year
playing on Varsity,” said
Andrew Liff, 11.

BLOCK. This season
the coaches have
encouraged the team
tremendously to
communicate with
their teammates
during play. “We did a
great job of working
hard to make up for
our lack of experience,”
said Andrew Liff,
11. Photo courtesy
of McDaniel’s
Photography.

Focusing in on field events
1

2

3

4

5
Photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

1. Junior Dylan Clapp
has participated in track
for the past five years.
His overall personal
record is a jump of six
feet. “At a usual high
jump practice, we start
with a few drills like
pop-ups and such. We
work mostly on form...
then we do a couple run
throughs, first at shorter
distances like three to
five steps. After, we will
take a few full runs,”
Clapp said.
2. Once or twice a week,
long jump athletes have
specific long jump drills,
in which Maximilian
Bruggeman practices.
Bruggeman also
competed in the
4x400m relay at Golden
Batons, winning
Sycamore the meet. “Our
practice is working on
rhythm and repetition
so we just do run
throughs and pop ups,”
Bruggeman said.
3. Pictured is senior
Joseph Polasky

competing in the
pole vault, which he
has been doing since
seventh grade. Polasky
has a personal record
of eleven feet and six
inches. “We usually
warm up with pole
sprints and pop ups…
then we go straight
to [full] six step runs,”
Polasky said.
4. Freshman Tyler
Ingle has competed at
many varsity meets this
season both in shot put
and discuss.
5. Junior Laneyah
Pringle has competed
in Track and Field for
six years, and competes
in shot put. She has
improved this season
with an overall personal
record of 27 feet and
two inches. “We practice
throwing with our upper
body while looking up
at a 45 degree angle...
both feet pointed to the
left,” Pringle said.

19

SPORTS

May 17, 2018

May 17, 2018

Baseball slides into home

column:

sports chief

opinion chief

MADELEINE SUH

WITH AN OVERALL RECORD
of 10 wins and 15 losses as of May 10, a
highlight was the 8-1 win against Mason.
“It was a solid season. Started off
strong, had a rough middle, but then
returned to winning at the end. Our
performance in key spots was good
as we put together clutch base hits to
get runs on the board,” said Jordan
Pescovitz, 11.
The Varsity team won their game in
the first round of sectionals, making this
the first tournament win since 2012.
The regular season closed on May
15 with a game against St. Xavier High
School.
“I think the best part about baseball
is that there is always the next play and
the next game. No matter what happens
during one pitch of one game you can
come back on the next and you or one
of your teammates can pick you up and
finish the job,” said Jason Berry, 11.
Berry and Pescovitz play for the
Varsity and JV team respectively.
Pescovitz plays infield while Berry
moves around as a pitcher, infielder and
outfielder.
“Our coaches were supportive and

intense the entire season. Their love for
the game carried over to the players,
and enforced them to work hard
and constantly improve their game,”
Pescovitz said.

FINISH STRONG. Senior Alex Thornberry
plays second base and is pitcher for
Varsity. For JV, it took a while to adjust
with many new players, but as the
season went on the teammates bonded
quickly. “By the end of the season,
noticeable improvements were made
by each and every team member,” said
Jordan Pescovitz, 11. Photo courtesy of
McDaniel’s Photography.

Frisbee pivots finale
ALLYSON BONHAUS
executive editor

CAN YOU MATCH US? Ultimate Frisbee concludes its season with a tournament on May
12. This club’s practice of warm ups, drills, scrimmages, etc. is coached by Mrs. Kimberly
Cooper, Mr. Dave Levinson, and Mr. Scott. “We play against teams from other schools,
but we always keep competition friendly. At the end of each game, both teams give spirit
prizes to a few of their opponents who were especially hardworking, fun or
20 passionate,” said Olivia Severyn, 11. Photo provided by staff.

SPORTS

ABIGAIL LEFTON
Imagine having a job that will pay
you millions of dollars with little to
no degree, allow early retirement,
gain millions of fans, and allows
endorsements which add on millions of
more dollars on top of your salary. This
is the reality in the word of professional
sports.
It is mind-blowing to me that
individuals can receive copious amounts
of money, more than they can ever
spend in their lifetime, for simply
playing a sport or being apart of a team.
According to the Forbes “World’s
Highest-Paid Athletes” chart, Cristiano
Ronaldo, soccer player, and LeBron
James, basketball player, are the
winners raking in almost 200 million
dollars between the two of them.
However, Ronaldo gets paid 93 million
compared to LeBron’s 86.2 million. Still,
an unnecessary amount of money.
Why is it necessary to reward these
individuals for their performance? I bet
athletes would compete just as stellar
receiving five or even one million dollars
to play pro.
Could you imagine what would happen
if the relished Sunday night football
games or March Madness frenzy where
millions of Americans cram themselves
into sweaty sports bars and gather
around jumbo t.v. screens suddenly
vanished?
We treat athletes like they are up on
a pedestal and will do whatever we can
to preserve them for our entertainment.
Almost like movie stars, we idolize them
and therefore compensate them heavily
for remaining in our lives.
Endorsements are a major percentage
of how athletes receive additional
income. This is an incredibly powerful
marketing strategy because sports are
so deeply woven into American culture.
We crave the approval of athletes so
much that LeBron received 55 million
dollars alone just from enforcements.
Sports are the bread and butter
of American culture. We prove that
constantly with our wallet.

SPOTLIGHT
May 17, 2018

Schramm creates bright future
LYDIA MASSET
spotlight chief

WRITING IS A big part of senior

Madeline Schramm’s life. After taking
the school’s creative writing courses
and participating in creative writing
club, she has learned a lot, especially
from her fellow writers and authors she
looks up to.
Reading the works of Cassandra
Clare and Rick Riordan has been
especially influential on her style.
“Writing means a lot to me because
it’s how I express what I have trouble
saying… I have a lot of feelings and
thoughts, but I struggle putting them
into words. Writing allows me to
express my ideas and passions to the
world when words fail me.
“I got second [in] the local
Montgomery Women’s Club writing
contest and won first in the 2016-2017
statewide competition for my poem
‘Broken Little Boy,’ which tells the story
of a boy growing up as a victim of child
abuse,” Schramm said.
Long term, her dream is to become
a best-selling author in young adult
fantasy novels. Schramm is even
currently writing a novel.
“The story of my book is about a girl
named Opal who’s part of a fishing
family, and they move from New Jersey
to Maine in hopes [of] catching more
fish and earning more profit. But Opal

doesn’t want to be a fisherman. She
wants to be an artist.
“Her mother refuses to accept it, and
tries to pressure her into becoming a
fisher like the rest of her family. When
she moves into her new house, she
meets Jay, a teenage ghost who’s been
stuck as a silent spirit that can only be
seen in the reflection of mirrors since
1987 because of a curse.
“They fall in love, and Opal works
with him and her big brother to try to
reverse the curse and make him human
again,” Schramm said.
Outside of writing, Schramm hangs
out with her family, friends, and
boyfriend. Musically talented as well,
Schramm sings in her church choir. She
enjoys watching musicals, drawing, and
shopping.
She is also a student ambassador
for Ambassador’s Club, a member of
Improv Aves, and a member of National
Honors Society. After graduation
Schramm plans to attend Xavier
University and study writing.
As she looks towards the future, she
will not forget the memories she has
made at SHS.
“There are a lot of things here that
I have really enjoyed at SHS that I am
going to miss when I graduate.
“I have many friends here at

ARE YOU READY? In the time she does
not spend writing, Madeline Schramm
likes to fill it with going outside,
horseback riding or staying active through
Taekwondo. Schramm also enjoys
watching movies- particularly Marvel and
Disney movies in the time she does not
spend outside.

Sycamore, including students, teachers,
and administrators that I’m going to
have to say goodbye to.
“I’m also going to miss all the school
spirit I feel at pep rallies and when I’m
in the student section at games and it
gets super competitive,” Schramm said.
STRIKE A POSE. Schramm
smiles for the camera. Schramm
looks forward to her future
at Xavier next year while also
reflecting on her time at SHS.
“[My best memories in high
school are] winning the poetry
contests, the homecomings
and proms [I] attended, and
starting on [my] very first novel
that I hope to publish someday,”
Schramm said. Photos courtesy
of Madeline Schramm.

21

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